Category Archives: News

The 200 boliviano banknote has been upgraded by the Banco Central de Bolivia, the country’s central bank. The latest upgrade of the boliviano banknote is part of the new “J” series of banknotes from Bolivia. The 200 boliviano banknote was first issued in 1987 and was last upgraded in 2005. The upgraded paper banknote includes a 4mm wide…

The European Central Bank (ECB) has today issued the new euro 20 banknote, the latest in the second series of euro banknotes, named “Europa”. The paper banknote, which is mainly blue in colour, consists of new and up-to-date security features to help combat the use of counterfeit banknotes, including tactile features for the visually impaired,…

China’s Central Bank will issue an upgraded 100 yuan banknote from tomorrow, Thursday the 12th November 2015. Though the note looks very similar to its predecessor, it contains various security feature upgrades to help combat counterfeiting. The Bank states there are at least seven improvements to the note’s design which, it claims, will allow cash…

Taxi hailing app Uber has begun accepting cash payments for rides in Indonesia, specifically within the city of Bandung where over two million people reside. Uber users traditionally use a registered payment card to pay for their rides using the Uber app, but in countries where the use of credit or debit cards is less…

On Monday 2 November 2015, the Maldives Monetary Authority launched their new family of banknotes using banknote printer De La Rue’s Safeguard® polymer substrate. The new notes, consisting of Rufiyaa 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000, have been printed , and include De La Rue’s Mask™ intaglio ink feature “These beautiful and secure new banknotes…

Bulgaria’s Central Bank, the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB), has announced that it will issue a new 2 leva circulating coin on the 7th December 2015. The bi-metal coin, which will be issued alongside the current 2 leva banknote, was designed by Vanya Dimitrova and will consist of a yellow coloured central core with a silver…

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the country’s Central Bank, has issued a new 5-rupee coin. The new coin has a different metal composition than its predecessor, consisting of 79% copper, 20% zinc and 1% nickel. The coin is also different in size, now measuring 18.5mm. The existing 5-rupee coin will continue to be legal…

From today, Monday the 12th October, the first of New Zealand’s seventh banknote series will be issued into circulation. The new series $5 and $10 polymer banknotes are being dispensed by banks and retailers from today though only in small quantities to begin with. Around 345,000 new notes have been sent to banks to meet…

The East Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) has announced that it will be issuing a circulating commemorative coin painted with different colours. The press release from the Central Bank has confirmed that the new coin will be issued this month, October 2015, to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Eastern Caribbean Currency Authority (ECCA) banknotes and the…

Sweden’s Central Bank, Sveriges Riksbank, has now launched their new series of 20-, 50- 200- and 1,000-krona banknotes, with the 100- and 500- krona banknotes and 1-, 2- and 5-krona coins to be issued next year in October. The new banknotes were launched on the 1 October, 2015 by the bank, after working on the…

SMI is one of the best known independent technical and marketing consultancies serving the banknote and high security document market. In a sector which by its nature is strictly confidential and relies on experience and trust, SMI has built a strong reputation for insight, expertise and integrity.

Philippe Barreau, Managing DirectorSICPA SA

SMI’s unique knowledge of the banknote industry is unrivalled. They are the consultancy of choice within this sector.

Arjo Wiggins, Managing Director BanknotesThibaut d'Argentré

Secura Monde’s knowledge and grasp of the currency industry – the suppliers, issuers, technologies - and the issues and challenges that it faces are second to none.

Astrid Mitchell, EditorReconnaissance International

I can recommend the professional skill of the Secura Monde team and their global network. They are disciplined, organized, analytical, accurate and timely executing agreed tasks, they provide both comprehensive, detailed and meaningful reports and recommendations. Secura Monde also has good technical knowledge in security production and application, and production technologies from start to finish, which is very valuable.

Matthias Müller, Director Business Unit Security FeaturesHueck Folien

For technical and strategic consultation in the field of banknote and high security printing SMI is recognised as the industry leader. The company's understanding of the global market and its relevant technologies is first class and, in a highly competitive sector, SMI can be relied upon to provide expert and reliable independent advice.

Crane Currency

The recent business history of Fabriano in Security papers and features started in 2002 with a key report made by SMI. In fact, Fabriano paper mill was basically supplying banknote paper just to domestic market. With the investment made at that time, enabling their production to increase by 3 times, they need a clear overview on the international market, which was given by SMI, as well as some important advices as to security features alliances, which led Fabriano to take over a leading security thread and holographic foil manufacturer such as Mantegazza, renamed as Fabriano Securities in 2004.